Muntakhab al-lubab 11.1

11.1

[Text, vol. ii. p. 22.] On the 16th of Sha'ban, (1068 A.H., 10th May, 1658 A.D.), Dara Shukoh sent Khalilu-llah Khan, and * * with some of the Imperial and his own forces, as an advanced force to Dholpur, to make a stand there, and secure the fords of the Chambal. He himself remained outside the city (of Agra) waiting for the arrival of Sulaiman Shukoh, who was expected to return from his operations against Shuja'. But as Sulaiman did not arrive, he was obliged to start on his march to meet and engage his two brothers. On the 6th Ramazan, near Samugarh, the two armies encamped about half a kos distant from each other. The forces which had been sent to guard the fords had effected nothing at all. Next day Dara Shukoh busied himself in distributing his forces, putting his guns in position, and arranging his train of elephants. He advanced a little and took up a position in a wide plain, presenting a front nearly two kos in width. The day was so hot that many strong men died from the heat of their armour and want of water. Aurangzeb also rode forth, but as he saw no advantage in being precipitate and beginning the fight, he took his stand about a cannon-shot distance, and waited for his adversary to commence the attack. But, as he made no sign beyond a parade of his forces, after evening prayer, Aurangzeb encamped in the same position, but gave orders for a strict watch being kept until morning. Next morning Aurangzeb distributed his forces (in the following manner).